Device and Method for Through the Scope Endoscopic Hemostatic Clipping

ABSTRACT

Medical device used to cause hemostasis of blood vessels using a clip arrangement delivered to a target region through an endoscope. Method for using the device to cause hemostasis of a blood vessel through an endoscope. Medical device including a reversibly closeable clip, a locking arrangement, a control wire, a sheath, and a handle with an actuating trigger. Through the endoscope, hemostatic clipping device that is fully reversible and lockable. Hemostatic clip that reversibly targets and clips bleeding ulcers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compression clips, and morespecifically, to compression clips used to cause hemostasis of bloodvessels located along the gastrointestinal tract delivered to a targetsite through an endoscope.

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal (“GI”) bleeding is often associated with peptic ulcerdisease (PUD) and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Hemorrhagingis the most dangerous procedure with which a Gastro-IntestinalEndoscopist has to deal. It is his/her only unplanned, emergencyprocedure where time is critical in determining the outcome. It is alsothe one problem the Endoscopist faces that is generally not anoutpatient procedure. A bleeding PUD can be a critical clinical event asthere is internal hemorrhaging. Ulcers are classified from clean toactive spurting bleeding. The most worrisome are active bleeders andvisible vessels. Untreated visible vessels are likely to bleed.

Suspected bleeding PUD patients can be diagnosed and treatedendoscopically in an emergency room, an ICU or the GI suite. Surgerygenerally results in higher cost, morbidity and mortality thanendoscopy. Therefore, laparoscopy or open surgery is not preferredunless there is no endoscopic alternative or endoscopy has failed. Ifthe diseased tissue is beyond repair, a surgical gastric resection maybe performed.

Currently, the endoscopist has two commonly used treatments and somelesser used therapies to achieve hemostasis of the ulcer. The mostwidely used treatments are thermal therapy and injection therapy. Someof the less common options are Olympus Endoclips, lasers and argonplasma cautery.

With thermal therapy, a catheter with a rigid heating element tip ispassed through the working channel of an endoscope after the bleed isvisualized and diagnosed. After the rigid catheter tip has exited thescope, the scope is manipulated to press the tip against the bleed site.Thermal power is applied, either through a resistive element in the tipor by applying RF energy through the tissue, thus desiccating andcauterizing the tissue. The combination of the tip compressing thetissue/vessel and the application of heat theoretically welds the vesselclosed.

Although thermal treatment is fairly successful in achieving hemostasis,it often takes more than one attempt (irrigation is applied after theinitial treatment to see if hemostasis has occurred) and there isfrequent re-bleeding. Generally several pulses of energy are appliedduring each attempt. If early re-treatment is needed, there is a risk ofperforation with the heat probe. Another disadvantage is that both typesof thermal therapy require a specialized power generator and theequipment can be expensive.

With injection therapy, a catheter with a distally extendable hyponeedle is passed through the working channel of the endoscope after thebleeding has been visualized and diagnosed. Once the catheter tip hasexited the scope, the scope is manipulated to the bleed site, the needleis extended remotely and inserted into the bleed site. Avasoconstricting (narrowing of blood vessels) or sclerosing (causing ahardening of tissue) drug is then injected through the needle. Multipleinjections in and around the bleeding site are often needed, untilhemostasis has been achieved. As with thermal therapy, re-bleeding isalso a problem.

The treatment used in any specific instance is highly dependent ongeographic region. In some regions, especially in the United States,injection therapy is often combined with thermal treatment since neithertherapy is completely effective alone.

The primary success rate of endoscopic treatment is about 90%. The othercases are usually referred to surgery. All identified ulcers mayre-bleed at a later time, but the re-bleed rate for endoscopicallytreated active bleeds and a visible vessel is 10-30%. Even with theintroduction of new treatments and devices, these rates have notimproved significantly in decades. Surgery's short and long-term successfor permanent hemostasis is virtually 100%.

Surgery has a higher success rate because the bleeding site iscompressed mechanically, causing better hemostasis. Using devices suchas clamps, clips, staples, sutures (i.e. devices able to applysufficient constrictive forces to blood vessels so as to limit orinterrupt blood flow), the bleeding vessel is ligated or the tissuearound the bleed site is compressed, ligating all of the surroundingvessels.

An existing device that incorporates the advantages of surgery into aless-invasive endoscopic procedure is the Olympus EndoClip. The goal ofthe device is to pinch the bleeding vessel to create hemostasis. Theproblem with this device is that once jaw closure begins, it is notpossible to reopen them, and the endoscopist is committed to firing theclip. In other words, jaw closure is not reversible. Because the vesselis frequently difficult to see, often several clips must be deployed inorder to successfully pinch the vessel and achieve hemostasis.Additionally, the Olympus EndoClip is a semi-reusable device, causingthe performance of the device to degrade with use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides medical devices for causing thehemostasis of blood vessels located along the gastrointestinal tract.The goal of the invention is to give the endoscopist a technique anddevice which: 1) has a success rate in line with the surgical option; 2)is easier to set-up than the Olympus EndoClip; and 3) is easier todeploy than the Olympus EndoClip. The design intent is to eliminatesurgery and its associated mortality and morbidity.

The medical devices of the present invention include: a compression clipused to cause hemostasis of blood vessels and a mechanism for deployingthe clip that includes an arrangement for closing the clip and forreversing the closing process to reopen the clip after closure hasbegun. Embodiments of the invention may include a lock arrangement forlocking the clip closed; a control wire connected to the clip and ableto be disconnected from the clip; an axially rigid sheath enclosing thecontrol wire and communicating a compressive force opposing a tensileforce of the control wire; a handle connected to the axially rigidsheath; and/or a trigger enclosed within the handle and engaging thecontrol wire to close and lock the clip and to uncouple the control wirefrom the clip.

There are several key advantages of the invention disclosed here overexisting devices. The device's ability to repeatedly open and close theclip until the desired tissue pinching is accomplished will lead to aquicker procedure, requiring less clips to be deployed, with a highersuccess rate. In particular embodiments, this higher success rate willbe improved even more due to the device's ability to be easily rotatedso that the clip legs can be adjusted relative to the bleeding vessel.In particular embodiments, the time required to perform the overallprocedure will also be further reduced due to the fact that the deviceis completely set up, with the clip already attached to the deliverydevice, unlike the competitive device. A more robust delivery device mayallow a larger, stronger clip to be delivered. Combinations of thesefeatures will provide for a device that is easier to use.

Another advantage inherent to particular embodiments of this design isthe feature of being completely disposable. The competitive device, theOlympus Endoclip, uses a “semi-reusable” delivery device, capable offiring several clips before it fails. This causes the device'sfunctionality to degrade over the course of its use, until it is nolonger able to deploy a clip. The competitive delivery device must beloaded manually, which is cumbersome to the operator and time-consuming,especially in the context of an unplanned emergency procedure. The“single-use” (disposable) embodiments of the invention disclosed herewould function the same with each clip, in each procedure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an enlarged partial view of a first embodiment of the medicaldevice of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of the embodimentof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the clip of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the lock sleeve of the embodiment of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the j-hook of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of the control wire, retainer, andclip of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view of the handle of the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of anotherembodiment of the medical device of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged partial end view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is an enlarged partial view of a clip leg of the embodiment ofFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is an enlarged partial view of a clip locking mechanism of theembodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E is an enlarged partial view of a clip locking mechanism and cliplegs of the embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8F shows enlarged partial side views of various embodiments of clipleg shapes available for use in the medical device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8G shows enlarged partial end views of various embodiments of clipleg shapes available for use in the medical device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of anotherembodiment of the medical device of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A beingdeployed.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged partial view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 10A beingdeployed.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of another embodiment of the medicaldevice of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged partial view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention showing the clip in an openposition.

FIG. 12B is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 12Ashowing the clip in a closed position.

FIG. 13A is an enlarged partial view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention showing the clip in a closedposition prior to disconnecting the clip.

FIG. 13B is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of the embodimentof FIG. 13A showing the clip in a closed position after disconnectingthe clip.

FIG. 13C is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 13Ashowing the clip in a closed position after disconnecting the clip.

FIG. 14A is an enlarged partial view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is an enlarged partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of the medicaldevice of the embodiment of FIG. 14A after the clip has been released.

FIG. 15A is an enlarged partial view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention.

FIG. 15B is an enlarged partial view of the clip of the embodiment ofFIG. 15A in a closed position.

FIG. 15C is an enlarged partial view of the clip of the embodiment ofFIG. 15A in an open position.

FIG. 15D is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of the medicaldevice of the embodiment of FIG. 15A after the clip has been released.

FIG. 16A is an enlarged partial view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is an enlarged partial close-up side view of the end of a clipleg of the embodiment of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is an enlarged partial close-up edge view of the end of a clipleg of the embodiment of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16D is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 16A withthe clip in an open position.

FIG. 16E is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 16A withthe clip in a closed position.

FIG. 17A is an enlarged partial view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention.

FIG. 17B is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 17A,showing the clip in an open position.

FIG. 18A is an enlarged view of clip legs of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention.

FIG. 18B is an enlarged partial view of an embodiment of the medicaldevice of the present invention using the clip legs of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 18B,showing the clip in a closed position.

FIG. 18D is an enlarged edge view of the clip of the embodiment of FIG.18B.

FIG. 18E is an enlarged partial end view of the embodiment of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 18F is an enlarged partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 18B.

FIG. 19A is an enlarged partial edge view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention.

FIG. 19B is an enlarged partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19C is an enlarged partial view of a clip leg of the embodiment ofFIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is an enlarged partial end view of another embodiment of themedical device of the present invention.

FIG. 20B is an enlarged partial side view of the embodiment of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 20C is a side-by-side comparison of two parts of the embodiment ofFIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of anotherembodiment of the medical device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1, medicaldevice 100 includes a clip 101 having first clip leg 102 and second clipleg 103. Clip leg 102 has at least one lock hole 104 therein of anysuitable shape (e.g. circular, rectangular, square, etc.). Likewise,clip leg 103 has at least one lock hole 105 therein of any suitableshape. Clip 101 is further characterized by a cut-out 106 on theproximal end. J-hook 107 is inserted into cut-out 106. J-hook 107 isformed on the distal terminal end of control wire 108. A retainerrelease 109 is formed by bends in the control wire 108, the bends formedproximally from the j-hook 107. The control wire 108 is enclosed withinsheath 111 proximally from the retainer release 109. Retainer 110 iscoupled to control wire 108 and engages lock sleeve 113. Retainerrelease 109 acts to disengage retainer 110 from lock sleeve 113 when atensile force applied to control wire 108 is sufficient to cause suchdisengagement. An outer sleeve 112 is connected on the distal side ofsheath 111, and lock sleeve 113 is connected to a distal side of outersleeve 112. Lock sleeve 113 incorporates lock pawl 114, which engageslock hole 104 in clip leg 102, and lock pawl 115, which engages lockhole 105 in clip leg 103.

The clip 101 is a deformable, multi-legged, grasping device attached tothe distal portion of a flexible shaft (the sheath 111) via a frangiblelink (the j-hook 107). The flexible shaft is connected at its proximalend to a handle (FIG. 7), the handle analogous to biopsy forceps. Asemi-rigid wire (the control wire 108), which is routed from the handleto the clip 101, acts as a means of actuating the clip 101 between theopen and closed position. The clip 101 can be actuated between the openand closed position multiple times as long as the lock holes 104 and 105do not become engaged with the lock pawls 114 and 115 in the lock sleeve113. Once the operator decides the clip 101 should be permanentlydeployed, the handle can be fully actuated, which causes the retainerrelease 109 to pull the retainer 110 free from the outer sleeve 112 andlock sleeve 113. After the retainer 110 is released, increasing forcewill begin straightening the j-hook 107. The j-hook 107 is then pulledfrom the cut-out 106 on the proximal side of clip 101. At this point,the retainer 110 and control wire 108 are no longer attached to thedistal portion of the device (the clip 101 and lock sleeve 113) and thedelivery device (e.g. an endoscope, not shown) can be removed whileleaving the clip 101 (with lock sleeve 113) in place.

The sheath 111 serves three key functions in this embodiment. In itsprimary function it acts as a housing for the control wire 108. In thisfunction the sheath 111 supplies a resistive, compressive force oppositethe tensile force applied to the control wire 108, via the handle, asthe lever (FIG. 7) in the handle is moved to close the clip 101. Theforces reverse when the lever is moved in the opposite direction, andthe control wire 108 is compressed to push the clip 101 forward. In thisfunction, the combination of control wire 108 and sheath 111 act as asimple push-pull, cable actuation mechanism.

In the secondary function of sheath 111, it acts as a means by which theclip 101 can be easily rotated. Ideally this rotation would be of aratio of 1:1. In other words, one complete rotation of the sheath 111 atthe proximal end would translate to one complete rotation of the clip101. This rotation however, depends on several factors. The relationshipof the outside diameter of sheath 111 to the inside diameter of theworking channel (not shown) of the endoscope (not shown), is one factor.Another factor is the amount of friction between the sheath 111 and theworking channel caused by the path of the endoscope in the anatomy.Because these factors vary from endoscope to endoscope, and patient topatient, the rotation ratio will not always be the same. This ease ofrotation is a key function and benefit of this embodiment in that itallows relatively precise orientation of the clip 101 to the vessel.Depending on the exact construction of the sheath 111, and the otherfactors just listed, rotation of the device may be different in onedirection of rotation versus the other direction. By taking advantage ofthe mechanical properties of the sheath 111, this embodimentaccomplishes rotation without the need for additional handle components.Eliminating the need for such components will: reduce the overall costof the device; simplify how the device is operated; and make rotationmore repeatable. In turn, all of these benefits will make for a fasterprocedure with a higher success rate.

The sheath 111 accomplishes a high rotation ratio by using a spiralwound, multiple-wire, stainless steel, flexible shaft, with an outsidediameter of slightly less than the inside diameter of the workingchannel of the endoscope. Because the sheath 111 is made of amultiple-wire configuration, it is soft and bendable, yet rigid inrotation. In other words, the sheath 111 is flexible enough to bemanipulated through a flexible endoscope, but has a very low angle oftwist about its central axis.

In the third function of the sheath 111, it acts as a component of themechanism by which the clip 101 is released. The outer sleeve 112, whichis rigidly attached to the sheath 111 by methods known in the prior art(e.g. adhesives, welding, swaging, etc.), is made of a rigid tube, withtwo retainer cut-outs (not shown), situated 180° apart from each other.These retainer cut-outs house the two tabs 118, 119 (FIG. 6) of theretainer 110. As the control wire 108 is actuated, drawing the clip 101back into the lock sleeve 113, the retainer release 109 forces theretainer 110 to be disengaged from the outer sleeve 112.

FIG. 2 shows the clip 101 in the closed position but prior to release ofthe j-hook 107. In the closed, locked position shown in FIG. 2, lockhole 104 of clip leg 102 is engaged by lock pawl 114, and lock hole 105of clip leg 103 is engaged by lock pawl 115. The fit between the locksleeve 113 and outer sleeve 112 is such that the lock sleeve 113 (andtherefore the clip 101) will easily release from the outer sleeve 112once the j-hook 107 has been straightened and the retainer disengagedfrom the outer sleeve 112.

The clip 101, shown in FIG. 3, is manufactured of a single piece ofstainless steel, or any suitable biocompatible material, and is bentinto a two-legged geometry. The clip legs 102 and 103 have a rectangularcross section of approximately 0.06 inches by 0.01 inches and areapproximately 0.50 inches in length. The profile of the legs servesthree purposes: first; the distal portion grasps the tissue during theprocedure; second, the distal portion acts as the compression mechanismto hold the clip in place after deployment; and third, the profilebetween the distal grasping portion and the proximal end will interfacewith the lock pawls (not shown), via lock hole 104 in clip leg 102 andlock hole 105 in clip leg 103. The interface between the lock holes andthe lock pawls creates the mechanical lock that will keep the clip 101closed after deployment. The proximal end of the clip 101 is formed witha cut-out 106 into which the j-hook (FIG. 2) is attached.

The lock sleeve 113 shown in FIG. 4 consists of a tubular proximalsection, which fits into the distal end of the outer sleeve 112.Retainer hole 116 and opposite retainer hole (not shown) in the locksleeve 113 receive the retainer tabs 118, 119 (FIG. 6). The distal endof the lock sleeve 113 has a lock sleeve cut-out 117 slightly largerthan the cross section of the clip legs (FIG. 3). As the clip leg arepulled through cut-out 117, the clip legs are compressed toward eachother, thus compressing the tissue (not shown) situated between the cliplegs. The cut-out 117 has lock pawls 114 and 115, which align with thetwo lock holes (FIG. 3) in the clip legs. After the desired tissuepurchase has been acquired, the clip can be pulled back far enough toengage the lock pawls 114 and 115 into the two lock holes.

Forming the end of the control wire 108 into a j-hook 107 makes afrangible link shown in FIG. 5. This relatively simple configurationeliminates extraneous components that take up space and complicate theassembly. The control wire 108 is bent such that it wraps around theproximal end of the clip (FIG. 3), through a cut-out (FIG. 3). Anotherbend in the wire, proximal to the j-hook 107, acts as a retainer release109. The retainer release 109 operates to release the retainer 110 (FIG.6) from the lock sleeve 113 (FIG. 4). As the control wire 108 isactuated and the clip is locked into the lock sleeve, the retainerrelease 109 pulls the retainer 110 back, disengaging the retainer tabs118, 119 from the two retainer holes 116 (FIG. 4) in which the retainernormally resides. After this disengagement is complete, the j-hook 107is then straightened by force, in turn releasing the clip. The j-hook107 is able to deform to a straightened position (i.e. release) at apredetermined tensile load, which is slightly greater than the loadrequired to grasp the tissue (not shown), compress the tissue, andengage the lock pawls (FIG. 4) in the lock holes (FIG. 3).

The control wire 108 shown in FIG. 6 is a simple stainless steel wireused to actuate the clip 101 via a handle (FIG. 7), at the proximal endof the sheath (FIG. 1). In this embodiment of the invention, thefrangible link (the j-hook 107) is formed in the distal end of thecontrol wire 108 as a one-piece design. The proximal end of the controlwire 108 is terminated inside the handle. The control wire 108 also hasthe retainer release 109 formed in it, behind the j-hook 107. Theretainer release 109 causes the outer sleeve (FIG. 1) to disengage fromthe retainer 110. This is done sequentially, after the lock holes (FIG.3) in the clip 101 have engaged the lock sleeve (FIG. 4). After the lockholes engage the lock sleeve, tensile force applied to control wire 108first straightens j-hook 107 so that j-hook 107 releases from cut-out106, then retainer release 109 engages and deforms retainer 110 so thatretainer tabs 118 and 119 disengage from the outer sleeve (FIG. 1) andthe lock sleeve (FIG. 4). Alternatively, retainer release 109 couldengage and deform retainer 110 before j-hook 106 straightens anddisengages from cut-out 106.

The handle shown in FIG. 7 is attached to the proximal end of the sheath111 at a sheath-handle attachment point 120. The handle configuration isunlike a handle found on conventional endoscopic forceps known in theprior art. The handle provides a mechanism by which the amount of linearactuation required in the handle body 121 is greater than that which istranslated to the tip of the device (FIG. 1). In other words, actuationof the activator or handle lever 122 of 1.00 inch in turn may only movethe clip (FIG. 3) by 0.10 inch. This feature allows for a more tactilefeel when placing the clip on the vessel (not shown). In effect, verysubtle amounts of movement in the clip can be accomplished by moreexaggerated, less precise movements of the operator's hand. This isaccomplished because the activator or lever 122 pivots about a pivotpoint 123 that is close to the attachment point 124 of the control wire125.

An alternative embodiment of the device may be made up of clips withmore than two legs. FIGS. 8A through 8E show a clip with four legs. FIG.8A shows a view from the side, showing clip legs 801. This embodimentcould be actuated and released in the same way the previous embodimentis activated and released, through a clip locking mechanism 802. The useof a control wire (not shown) would actuate the multiple-legged clip inand out of an outer sleeve 803 until such time that the operator desiresto release the clip. Alternatively, actuation of the control wire mightmove the outer sleeve 803 in and out over the multiple-legged clip toopen and close the clip legs 801, until such time that the operatordesires to release the clip. FIG. 8B shows the four-legged clip of FIG.8A from the perspective of the targeted tissue looking proximally. Thefour clip legs 801 are shown in an open position and are situated at 90°from each other. FIG. 8C shows a profile view of a single clip leg 801.FIG. 8D shows a view along the axis of clip locking mechanism 802. FIG.8E shows another view of a four-legged clip with clip legs 801 and cliplocking mechanism 802.

FIG. 8F shows alternative side profiles of the clip geometry. Use ofsuch geometries in a clip with two or more legs allows for improvedgrasping ability in different situations. Given the large variation intissue thickness and tissue strength, it is likely that different clipprofiles would excel in different procedures. FIG. 8G shows alternativeend profiles of the clip geometry. As with the varying side profiles,different end profiles would provide a broader range of graspingcapabilities.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the device usinga different method to lock the clip in the closed position. Thisalternative method uses an expanded coil spring 901 released over theoutside of the clip legs 904 and 905 to lock the clip legs 904 and 905closed. FIG. 9A shows this embodiment in a predeployment state. FIG. 9Ashows a stretched coil spring 901, twisted to a diameter larger thanthat of the relaxed state of coil spring 901. Stretched coil spring 901is placed over a rigid tube 903 at the distal end of the clip device.Within this rigid tube 903, the clip legs 904 and 905 are free to movein and out (in a manner similar to the manner described for the previousembodiments), between the opened and closed position via a control wire(not shown). When the desired clip location has been achieved, thesheath 902 is used to push the coil spring 901 off of the rigid tube903, onto the clip legs 904 and 905, as shown in FIG. 9B. The inwardradial forces present in the recovered coil spring 901 act to keep theclip legs 904 and 905 compressed.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another alternative embodiment. In thisembodiment, a flexible linkage 1002 and pill 1003 are used to lock theclip legs 1001. In this embodiment the clip legs 1001 are actuated via acontrol wire 1006, as described in previous embodiments. However, inthis embodiment, the clip legs are not closed by pulling the clip legs1001 through some feature smaller than the open clip. Instead the cliplegs 1001 are closed by drawing the two flexible links 1002 proximally,in the direction of the control wire 1006, while a compressive force isapplied to the base of the clip legs 1001 by a rigid sheath (not shown).This in turn pulls the legs of the clip toward each other. FIG. 10Ashows the clip legs 1001 in an open position. FIG. 10B shows the cliplegs in a closed position. The clip legs 1001 are locked in a closedposition when the pill 1003, located at the center of the flexiblelinkage 1002, is drawn through a one way hole 1004 in the center of theclip legs 1001. The one way hole 1004 is tapered, with a diameterslightly larger than the diameter of the pill 1003 on its distal sideand a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pill 1003 on itsproximal side. The pill stretches the material around the hole 1004 asit passes through moving proximally. Alternatively, the pill 1003 itselfcan be made of an elastic material and would deform slightly whilepassing proximally through hole 1004. This funneling effect of the pill1003 through the hole 1004 only allows the pill 1003 to easily passthrough in the locking direction. This locking action is maintainedafter the clip is released by positioning the frangible link 1005 in aproximal direction on control wire 1006 from the pill 1003, thusmaintaining tissue compression. In this embodiment the frangible link1005 is a taper in control wire 1006, enabling the link to be broken ata specific position (proximal from the pill 1003) with a predeterminedtensile load.

One alternative to the j-hook type frangible link previously describedis shown in FIG. 11. This embodiment uses a threaded fitting that is acombination of a male thread 1103 and a female hub 1102 to attach thecontrol wire (not shown) to the clip 1001. The clip 1001 can be actuatedfrom the opened position (not shown) to the closed position (shown) asdescribed in previous embodiments. In this embodiment, the lock sleeve1105 is shorter and engages dimples 1106. After the lesion (not shown)is properly targeted, the clip 1101 can be released. The clip 1101 isreleased when a predetermined tensile load is applied to the male thread1103, in a similar fashion to the predetermined tensile load applied tostraighten the j-hook. This force causes the male thread 1103 to detachfrom the female hub 1102. The female hub 1102 may be constructed of aspiral wound wire component with a pitch equal to the thread pitchformed to make the male thread 1103. The fit of the threaded componentsis such that the predetermined force will overcome the engaged threadsof the male thread 1103 and the female hub 1102, causing them toseparate, or “strip” away from one another.

Another alternative to the j-hook type frangible link is shown in FIGS.12A and 12B. This embodiment uses a ball 1202 fitting into a socket,where the socket is defined by socket tabs 1203, to attach the controlwire 1207 to the clip 1201. An outer sleeve 1204 is attached by way of abreakaway connection (not shown) to the sheath 1206. This breakawayconnection may be a light interference fit, or a light adhesive joint.The breakaway connection must be weak enough that when the sheath 1206is pulled back through the working channel (not shown) of the endoscope(not shown), the outer sleeve 1204 will release with the clip 1201. Theclip 1201 is released when the socket tabs 1203 at the proximal end ofthe clip 1201 are aligned with cut-outs 1205 in the outer sleeve 1204.These cut-outs 1205 act as a relief area into which the socket tabs 1203can be deformed when a predetermined tensile load is applied to them viathe ball 1202 formed on the end of the control wire 1207. The outersleeve 1204 is released with clip 1201 so that the clip 1201 remainslocked after deployment.

Another alternative to the j-hook type frangible link is shown in FIGS.13A, 13B and 13C. All the figures show the clip 1301 in a closed andlocked state. FIG. 13A shows the clip 1301 in a closed position butbefore it is released and shows a portion of outer sleeve 1303 cut awayto show the internal workings of the clip mechanism. FIGS. 13B and 13Cshow the clip 1301 after being released. In this embodiment, theactuation is still performed via a control wire 1304, however thedirection of action is reversed. As the control wire 1304 is pushedforward, the clip 1301 is closed by the advancement of outer sleeve 1303and lock ring 1302 over the clip legs. The locking sleeve 1302 and clipgeometry, including dimples 1306, is the same as that explained in theembodiment of FIG. 11.

A difference between the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C andthe prior embodiments is the mechanism by which the clip 1301 isreleased from the rest of the device. An interference fit between theouter sleeve 1303, sheath 1305, and male threaded hub 1308 is createdwhen the device is assembled. The distal end of the sheath 1305, in itsmanufactured (but unassembled) state, has an outside diameter greaterthan the inside diameter of the outer sleeve 1303. When the outer sleeve1303 and sheath 1305 are assembled together part of the interference fitis created. The distal end of the sheath 1305, again in its manufactured(unassembled) state, has an inside diameter greater than the diameter ofthe male threaded hub 1308. During assembly, as the distal end of thesheath 1305 is compressed to fit inside the outer sleeve 1303, it iscompressed down onto the male threaded hub 1308 to create a sandwich ofthe sheath 1305 between the male threaded hub 1308 on the inside and theouter sleeve 1303 on the outside. During the medical procedure, at thetime the operator wishes to release the clip 1301, this interference fitis overcome. The interference fit is overcome by advancing the outersleeve 1303 so far forward, by creating a compressive force in thecontrol wire 1304 in opposition to a tensile force on the sheath 1305,that the outer sleeve 1303 is no longer in contact with the distal endof the sheath 1305.

The outer sleeve 1303 and the control wire 1304 serve two purposes inthis embodiment. The outer sleeve 1303 and the control wire 1304 supplythe closing force to the clip 1301. In FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, a lockring 1302 is used to maintain the closing force on the clip legs 1307.The outer sleeve 1303 and the control wire 1304 also act as keycomponents of the release mechanism. As previously described, once theouter sleeve 1303 is moved to its forward-most position, the end of thesheath 1305 is no longer contained within the outer sleeve 1303, and isfree to separate from the male threaded hub 1308. The sheath 1305 isfree to release because of the manner in which the distal end of thesheath 1305 is manufactured/assembled.

When the outer sleeve 1303 is advanced forward, allowing the distal endof the sheath 1305 to be free, the distal end of the sheath 1305 expandsto its original, manufactured state. This allows the inside of thesheath 1305 to release from the male threaded hub 1308. The malethreaded hub 1308, and thus the clip 1301, are now free from the sheath1305 and the rest of the delivery device. As shown in FIG. 13C, theouter sleeve 1303 remains connected to the control wire 1304 atconnection point 1310, and both can be removed with the sheath 1305. Thedistal portion of control wire 1304 is bent towards, and connects with,outer sleeve 1303 at connection point 1310. The distal portion ofcontrol wire 1304 passes male threaded hub 1308 during deploymentthrough slot 1309 in male threaded hub 1308.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C show an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C, the relaxedstate of the clip is closed, and it is forced open and allowed to closenaturally. FIG. 14A shows a side view of the clip 1401 in a closed,pre-released state, and FIG. 14B shows an edge view of the clip 1401 ina closed, pre-released state. In this embodiment, because the clip 1401is manufactured such that the clip legs 1407 are naturally closed, theprimary function of the control wire 1406 is changed from having toclose the clip 1401, to having to open the clip 1401. The clip 1401 ismanufactured in a generally x-shaped geometry, where each tab 1403 atthe proximal end of the clip 1401 controls a clip leg 1407 opposite atthe distal end of the clip 1401. The action/reaction of the clip 1401 issimilar to that of a common clothes pin. As the tabs 1403 are broughttogether, the clip legs 1407 are spread apart. As the tabs 1403 arereleased, the clip legs 1407 come together. A u-ring 1402 attached tothe end of the control wire 1406 is used to bring the tabs 1403together, thus opening the clip 1401. Pulling on the control wire 1406pulls the u-ring 1402 into contact with tabs 1403 creating a compressiveforce to open clip legs 1407 because clip 1401 is positioned againstfulcrum point 1408. Advancing control wire 1406 advances u-ring 1402,thereby removing the compressive force on tabs 1403 and allowing cliplegs 1407 to close. Advancing control wire 1406 further to a deploymentposition pushes u-ring 1402 against clip legs 1407, causing clip 1401 tomove out of outer sleeve 1404 into a deployed state.

The control wire 1406 is constructed of material having a shape memory,and the distal end of the control wire 1406, where the u-ring 1402 isattached, is pre-bent to one side. While a minimum tension exists incontrol wire 1406, the u-ring remains around the constriction. However,when the desired location for the clip 1401 has been achieved, and theclip tabs 1403 have been advanced beyond outer sleeve 1404, the controlwire 1406 can be advanced to its most distal position. Because thecontrol wire 1406 is pre-bent, as it is advanced the u-ring 1402 becomesdisengaged from the clip 1401 when the tension in control wire 1406falls below a pre-determined amount, as shown in FIG. 14C. This allowsthe clip 1401 to be released.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D show another embodiment in which the clipis manufactured in a naturally closed position. FIG. 15A shows thedistal end of medical device 1509 with the clip 1501 in a closedposition before deployment. FIG. 15B shows only the clip 1501 in aclosed position. FIG. 15C shows the clip 1501 in an open position. FIG.15D shows the device after the clip is released. The clip 1501 is shapedsuch that, as the control wire 1503 is pulled in a proximal direction,the clip legs 1508 are forced apart from one another. This isaccomplished using a pill 1502 attached to the end of the control wire1503 as explained in previous embodiments. Two rigid arms 1504, locatedbetween the clip legs 1508, translate the tensile force on the controlwire 1503 to an outward radial force on the clip legs 1508. When thedesired location for the clip 1501 has been achieved, the control wire1503 can be advanced to its most distal position. Because the controlwire 1503 is constructed of material that has a shape memory, andbecause the control wire 1503 is pre-bent close to the pill 1502, as thecontrol wire 1503 is advanced, the pill 1502 becomes disengaged from thepill well 1507. When the pill 1502 moves out and away from the pill well1507, the clip 1501 is released and disengages from the control wire1502, the sheath 1506, and the outer sleeve 1505.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E show another embodiment in which theclip is manufactured in a naturally closed position. FIG. 16A shows theclip 1607 in a closed, predeployed, state. FIG. 16B shows a side view ofone clip leg 1601 with the pill 1603 still resting in pill well 1604.FIG. 16C shows an edge view of one clip leg 1601 with the pill 1603still resting in pill well 1604. FIG. 16D shows a clip 1607 in an openposition. FIG. 16E shows a clip 1607 in a closed position. Thisembodiment uses two control wires 1605. Alternatively, a branchedcontrol wire may be used. By using a branched control wire or twocontrol wires 1605, the force can be transmitted to a point further awayfrom the fulcrum (bending point) 1606 of the clip 1607. The greater thisdistance, the lesser the force required to open the clip legs 1601. Asin the previous embodiments, the control wires 1605 are disengaged fromthe clip 1607 by pushing them forward. This action disengages the pills1603 from the clip 1607 by moving the pills 1603 out of pill wells 1604.The control wires 1605 are made from a material with a shape memory, sothat when freed from pill wells 1604, the pills 1603 move away from thepill wells 1604, and the clip 1607 is deployed.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. In this embodiment,the control wire or wires 1701 are routed to gain mechanical advantage.In this embodiment, the clip 1702 is naturally closed, with the controlwire(s) 1701 routed to leverage points 1704 further away from thefulcrum (bending point) 1705 of the clip 1702. In this embodiment, thecontrol wire(s) 1701 are looped around pins positioned at leveragepoints 1704 at the ends of the clip legs 1706. The control wire(s) 1701are then routed to a point at the proximal end of the clip. The controlwire(s) 1701 are then terminated at this point. For ease of manufacture,the control wire(s) 1701 could essentially be one, continuous wire, withboth ends terminated in the handle (not shown). To release the clip1702, one end of control wire 1701 could be detached from the handle andpulled free from the clip 1702. Because the control wire 1701 is onlywrapped around pins positioned at leverage points 1704 on the clip 1702,by pulling on one end of control wire 1701, control wire 1701 could beeasily detached when the desired location for clip 1702 has beenachieved by continuing to pull on one end of control wire 1701 until allof control wire 1701 has been detached from the clip 1702.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, and 18F show an embodiment of a clipwhich incorporates the natural compressive forces present in a simpleelastic band (or o-ring) 1802 to hold the clip legs 1801 in the closedposition. FIG. 18A shows two clip legs 1801 in a disassembled state.FIG. 18B shows a clip with the control wire 1803 engaging a secondelastic band 1804 to open clip legs 1801. In this embodiment, thecontrol wire 1803 is attached to the proximal end of the clip legs 1801via a frangible link. In this embodiment, the frangible link is a secondelastic band (or o-ring) 1804 that will deform as the control wire 1803is pulled back. In this embodiment, the clip is housed in the end of asheath 1806 such that, as the control wire 1803 is pulled back, thesecond elastic band 1804 delivers an increasing compressive force to theclip legs 1801 proximal to a pin joint 1805, thereby causing the cliplegs 1801 distal from the pin joint to open against the compressiveforce of elastic band 1802. In this manner, the clip legs 1801 move toan open position, as shown in FIG. 18B. FIG. 18C shows the clip in aclosed, predeployed state. FIG. 18D shows a profile view of clip legs1801, and FIG. 18E shows an end-on view of clip legs 1801 within sheath1806. FIG. 18F shows a close-up view of clip legs 1801 without firstelastic band 1802 but showing band slots 1809. FIG. 18F shows secondelastic band 1804 resting over nubs 1807 and coupled to control wire1803. When the desired clip location has been achieved, the secondelastic band 1804, which makes up the frangible link, is overcome bypulling the control wire 1803 to its most proximal position. This hasthe effect of breaking second elastic band 1804. Alternatively, secondelastic band 1804 could be designed to release over nubs 1807. In athird alternative, after placing clip legs 1801 in the desired location,control wire 1803 can be released so that elastic band 1802 again closesclip legs 1801. In this third embodiment, control wire 1803 is made of asuitable material, such as a shape memory material, and has a bend inthe distal region such that moving control wire 1803 to a maximum distalposition acts to unhook hook 1808 from second elastic band 1804.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C show another embodiment of the inventionutilizing a naturally closed clip. Clip 1901 is held in the naturallyclosed position by a torsion spring 1903. The clip 1901 is actuated fromthe closed to the opened position in a different way than priorembodiments. A plunger 1904, located within the outer sleeve 1905 at theend of the sheath (not shown), is used to push on the tabs 1906 on theproximal end of the clip 1901. The tabs 1906 are pushed through anopening 1907 in the end of the outer sleeve 1905. This moves tabs 1906close together, in turn moving the clip legs 1902 to the open position.When the desired clip location has been achieved, the clip 1901 can bereleased by advancing the plunger 1904 to its most distal position. FIG.19B shows the clip 1901 from a profile view. FIG. 19C shows a singleclip leg 1902 and connection point 1908 for pivotally connecting cliplegs 1902 to each other.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C describe the embodiment of a three-legged clipand delivery device. The clip 2001 is manufactured to be in thenaturally open position. The clip 2001 is characterized by male threads2002 on its outer surface. The delivery device consists of a sheath 2003similar to those described in previous embodiments. An inner sleeve 2004located within the distal end of the sheath 2003 is used to actuate theclip 2001 from its naturally open position to the closed position. Theinner sleeve 2004 has female threads (not shown) on its inside diameter.A control wire (not shown) is used in this device to transmit rotationalforce rather than tensile/compressive force. Rotating the sheath 2003with respect to the control wire, with the handle (not shown) actuatesthe clip 2001. This rotation force is translated to the female threads,causing them to be threaded onto the clip 2001. As the naturally openclip legs 2005 move toward the inner sleeve 2004, the clip legs 2005 areclosed. The clip 2001 and inner sleeve 2004 are released from the sheath2003 via some form of frangible link (not shown) as described in theprevious embodiments. FIG. 20A shows the clip legs 2005 and inner sleeve2004 from the perspective of the target area. FIG. 20C shows the sizerelationship between the female threads on the inner sleeve 2004 and themale threads 2002 on the clip 2001.

FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of a naturally open clip and deliverydevice. FIG. 21 shows the distal portion of the medical device with aportion of the outer sleeve 2102 cut away to show the inner mechanics ofthe clipping device. The delivery device consists of a sheath 2103similar to those described in previous embodiments. The clip 2101 isactuated from the open to the closed position via a control wire 2104,as described in the primary embodiment. A frangible link is implementedin this embodiment by a breakable link 2105. In this embodiment the locksleeve is eliminated. Eliminating the lock sleeve reduces the number ofcomponents and the overall size of the device. In this embodiment theouter sleeve 2102 is used to hold the clip 2101 in the closed position.Therefore, the outer sleeve 2102 must be deployed from the sheath 2103when the clip 2101 is released. To create a positive mechanical lockbetween the clip 2101 and outer sleeve 2102, the clip 2101 has twodeformable tabs 2106 formed in its proximal end. When the desired tissuepurchase has been accomplished, the control wire 2104 is furtheractuated by the handle (not shown) so that the tabs 2106 reach aposition where they are in the same plane as the cut-outs 2107 in theouter sleeve 2102. Once the tabs 2106 have reached this point, furtheractuation of the control wire 2104 forces the tabs 2106 to deformthrough the cut-outs 2107 in the outer sleeve 2102. As in the firstembodiment, a retainer 2108 is used to create a mechanical lock betweenthe sheath 2103 and outer sleeve 2102. In this embodiment the retainer2108 passes through slots 2109 in the outer sleeve 2102 and a sheathconnector 2110. The sheath connector 2110 is simply a rigid connector,applied to the end of the sheath 2103 by some means known in the art(e.g. welding, adhesive, swaging, etc.). As the tabs 2106 becomeengaged, a tensile load in the control wire 2104 is translated to thebreakable link 2105. At a predetermined tensile load, the breakable link2105 breaks. As the control wire 2104 is further actuated, a distalportion of control wire 2104, which is preformed into a shape that willfunction as a retainer release, engages the retainer 2108. The retainer2108 is pulled from the outer sleeve 2102 by the control wire 2104, in asimilar manner to that described in the primary embodiment. Once this isdone, the sheath connector 2110 (and therefore the sheath 2103) isreleased from the outer sleeve 2102.

The materials utilized in construction of the clip of the presentinvention include many bio-compatible materials (metals, polymers,composites, etc.). A stainless steel grade material, which offers goodspring properties, may be used. The clip can also be coated, or plated,with a material like gold to improve radiopacity.

The lock sleeve, lock pawls, retainer and outer sleeve may be comprisedof any of the same materials as the clip component. For example,stainless steel may be used.

The control wire in the first embodiment may be a stainless steel wire.Because the wire must offer sufficient strength in both tension andcompression, the material properties of the wire are important to thefunctionality of the device. Also, the end of the wire, where the j-hookis formed, must deform when a predetermined tensile load is applied. Thedevice's ability to release the clip is dependent on this property.Other embodiments of the device may incorporate a two (or more) piecewire so that certain sections of the wire have different materialproperties or geometries. Different material properties or geometriescould allow for more control over how and when the wire detaches fromthe distal tip of the device. This could also be accomplished by severalother methods, as well. For example, localized heat treating and/orcoatings could be used along portions of the wire to alter the materialcharacteristics. Additionally, some embodiments of the present inventionrequire a control wire constructed of a material with a shape memory.

The sheath, in the first embodiment, is made up of several round,stainless steel wires, wound in a helical pattern to create a hollow,semi-rigid shaft. Sheaths made in this fashion are well known in theprior art. In other embodiments, the sheath could be made up ofnon-round wires. Other embodiments may be made up of one or more wiresformed in a pattern other than a single helix, as in the firstembodiment. A multiple helix or braided pattern may be used. The sheathmay also be coated with a protective coating of Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), or similar materials. The use of such coatings could be used toalter the flexibility of the shaft. Such coatings could also be used toincrease the lubricity (decrease the coefficient of friction) betweenthe endoscope working channel and the device. Similar materials couldalso be used to encapsulate the sheath's base material. This wouldcreate a matrix material, providing a combination of material propertiesnot feasible with one single material. Other embodiments, may usematerials other than stainless steel as the base material. Materialssuch as titanium, nitinol, and/or nylon fibers may be incorporated.

A method of using the endoscopic hemostatic clipping device is provided.The method involves placing an endoscope in a body cavity as is known inthe art. The device provided herein is then inserted through theendoscope. At the distal end, the endoscope is positioned near thetarget area. As noted above, the target area may be a lesion, a bleedingulcer, a tumor, other abnormality, or any number of other tissues to bepinched, marked, tagged, or to which the operator wishes to apply apinching pressure for whatever reason. The device provided is thenpositioned so that the clip legs embrace the target area, then theactuator is activated to close the clip legs. The success or failure ofthe application of pressure can be reviewed through the opticalcomponents provided separately in the endoscope. If the pinching isunsuccessful or only marginally successful; the clip legs of the devicemay be opened by reversing the actuation of the activator.Alternatively, if the pinching is successful, and the operator wishes todeploy the device, the actuator is fully activated, or the alternativedeployment activator is activated. Finally, the remaining portion of themedical device and the endoscope are removed from the body.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art, having regard to thisdisclosure, that other variations on this invention beyond thosespecifically exemplified here may be made. These variations include, butare not limited to, different combinations of clips, closing mechanisms,locking mechanisms, frangible links, and clip leg formations. Suchvariations are, however, to be considered as coming within the scope ofthis invention as limited solely by the following claims.

1-45. (canceled)
 46. A medical device, comprising: a clip having firstand second clip legs; a control wire being operable both to open theclip legs and to close the clip legs; a sheath enclosing the controlwire; a link coupling the control wire to the clip, the link beingmovable from a coupled configuration in which the clip is coupled to adistal end of the control wire to a released configuration in whichfirst and second arms of the link are configured to move radiallyoutward at an area of the sheath to release the control wire from theclip; and an actuator coupled to the control wire, the control wireengageable by the actuator to move the control wire to open and closethe clip legs and to move the link from the coupled configuration to thereleased configuration.
 47. The medical device of claim 46, wherein thedistal end of the control wire comprises an increased diameter portion.48. The medical device of claim 47, wherein the increased diameterportion has a substantially spherical cross section.
 49. The medicaldevice of claim 46, further comprising a lock sleeve surrounding a partof the clip so that, as the clip is drawn proximally thereinto, the cliplegs are drawn toward one another.
 50. The medical device of claim 46,wherein before the clip is separated from the control wire, moving thesheath proximally relative to the control wire moves the clip out of thesheath, opening the clip legs.
 51. The medical device of claim 46,further comprising a lock arrangement for locking the clip within a locksleeve with the first and second clip legs closed.
 52. The medicaldevice of claim 46, further comprising a lock sleeve radiallysurrounding part of the first and second clip legs.
 53. The medicaldevice of claim 46, wherein a proximal tensile force applied to the clipvia the control wire is opposed by a distal compressive force on thesheath.
 54. The medical device of claim 46, wherein the clip legs areseparated from one another by a spring member positioned therebetweenand biased to urge the first and second clip legs away from one another.55. The medical device of claim 46, wherein the sheath is constructed tocommunicate a first force opposing a second force applied to the clipvia the control wire when the control wire is coupled to the link. 56.The medical device of claim 46, wherein the link comprises the distalend of the control wire and the proximal end of the clip.
 57. Themedical device of claim 46, wherein the control wire is reversiblyoperable.
 58. The medical device of claim 46, further comprising a lockpawl associated with the link that inhibits proximal movement of thelink at a predetermined location.
 59. The medical device of claim 46,wherein the first and second arms of the link are configured to moveradially outward at an area of the sheath when a tensile load is appliedto the arms via the control wire.
 60. The medical device of claim 46,wherein the first and second arms of the link are configured toautomatically move radially outward at an area of the sheath due toresilience.
 61. The medical device of claim 46, wherein the first andsecond arms of the link are configured to move radially outward at arelief area of the sheath.
 62. The medical device of claim 46, whereinthe first and second legs are configured to move radially inward whenthe clip is drawn proximally relative to the sheath due to a compressiveforce between the sheath and the first and second legs.
 63. The medicaldevice of claim 46, wherein a distal portion of the sheath is comprisedof a rigid portion.
 64. The medical device of claim 63, wherein thefirst and second legs are configured to move radially inward when theclip is drawn proximally relative to the sheath due to a compressiveforce between the rigid portion and the first and second legs.
 65. Themedical device of claim 46, wherein the link is formed integrally withthe clip.
 66. The medical device of claim 46, wherein the link is formedintegrally with the control wire.
 67. The medical device of claim 46,wherein the link is not formed integrally with the control wire or theclip.
 68. A medical device, comprising: a clip having first and secondclip legs; a control wire coupled to the clip, the control wire beingmovable relative to a sheath to open and close the clip legs, a distalend of the control wire received between arms of the clip; the sheathenclosing a distal portion of the control wire, wherein the control wireis configured to release from the clip as the arms spread laterally awayfrom the control wire; and an actuator coupled to the control wire tomove the control wire relative to the sheath and to release the controlwire from the clip.
 69. The medical device of claim 68, wherein the armsare formed integrally with the clip.
 70. The medical device of claim 68,wherein the distal end of the control wire comprises an increaseddiameter portion.
 71. The medical device of claim 70, wherein theincreased diameter portion has a substantially spherical cross section.72. The medical device of claim 68, further comprising a lock sleevesurrounding a part of the clip so that, as the clip is drawn proximallythereinto, the clip legs are drawn toward one another.
 73. The medicaldevice of claim 68, wherein before the clip is separated from thecontrol wire, moving the sheath proximally relative to the control wiremoves the clip out of the sheath, opening the clip legs.
 74. The medicaldevice of claim 68, further comprising a lock arrangement for lockingthe clip within a lock sleeve with the first and second clip legsclosed.
 75. The medical device of claim 68, further comprising a locksleeve radially surrounding part of the first and second clip legs. 76.The medical device of claim 68, wherein a proximal tensile force appliedto the clip via the control wire is opposed by a distal compressiveforce on the sheath.
 77. The medical device of claim 68, wherein theclip legs are separated from one another by a spring member positionedtherebetween and biased to urge the first and second clip legs away fromone another.
 78. The medical device of claim 68, wherein the sheath isconstructed to communicate a first force opposing a second force appliedto the clip via the control wire when the control wire is coupled to thelink.
 79. The medical device of claim 68, wherein the link comprises thedistal end of the control wire and the proximal end of the clip.
 80. Themedical device of claim 68, wherein the control wire is reversiblyoperable.
 81. The medical device of claim 68, further comprising a lockpawl associated with the link that inhibits proximal movement of thelink at a predetermined location.
 82. The medical device of claim 68,wherein the first and second arms of the link are configured to moveradially outward at an area of the sheath when a tensile load is appliedto the arms via the control wire.
 83. The medical device of claim 68,wherein the first and second arms of the link are configured toautomatically move radially outward at an area of the sheath due toresilience.
 84. The medical device of claim 68, wherein the first andsecond arms of the link are configured to move radially outward at arelief area of the sheath.
 85. The medical device of claim 68, whereinthe first and second legs are configured to move radially inward whenthe clip is drawn proximally relative to the sheath due to a compressiveforce between the sheath and the first and second legs.
 86. The medicaldevice of claim 68, wherein a distal portion of the sheath is comprisedof a rigid portion.
 87. The medical device of claim 68, wherein thefirst and second legs are configured to move radially inward when theclip is drawn proximally relative to the sheath due to a compressiveforce between the rigid portion and the first and second legs.
 88. Themedical device of claim 68, wherein the link is formed integrally withthe clip.
 89. The medical device of claim 68, wherein the link is formedintegrally with the control wire.
 90. The medical device of claim 68,wherein the link is not formed integrally with the control wire or theclip.
 91. A method, comprising: inserting a medical device comprising aclip having first and second clip legs, a control wire, a sheathenclosing the control wire and a proximal portion of the clip;positioning the medical device at a desired deployment location; movingthe control wire distally relative to the sheath to deploy the first andsecond clip legs distally from the sheath; adjusting a position of theclip so that target tissue is received between the first and second cliplegs; drawing the control wire proximally relative to the sheath to drawthe clip into the sheath to receive the target tissue between the firstand second clip legs; applying a tensile force of at least a thresholdlevel to the control wire to separate a separable link coupling thecontrol wire to the clip.
 92. The method of claim 91, furthercomprising: the separation uncoupling the clip from the control wire andseparating the capsule from the sheath to lock the clip over the coupledtarget tissue.